Air Force

Lt. Frank Luke Jr. poses in 1918 with a Spad biplane. During a seven-day period, Sept. 12-18, 1918, two days of which he did not fly, he scored 13 confirmed victories, including an amazing five victories (two balloons and three airplanes) on the last day. His attributes included the requisite qualities of a fighter pilot: exceptional courage, the ability to think and act quickly, skill, and creativity in the air. His exploits had a direct effect upon the development of American air tactics and he stands tall in all history as an unforgettable example of true valor and self-sacrifice, according to the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

The 2018 Haboob Havoc, held Jan. 29 through Feb. 2, will be hosted by Luke Air Force Base. It is an annual competition where fighter pilots hone their skills in aerial combat, bringing together fighter pilots from across the Air Force to build comradery as well. This competition builds on the legacy of Frank Luke being the second-highest scoring ace of World War I.

The 2018 HH is particularly special as it’s the 100th anniversary of Luke making the ultimate sacrifice when his Spad biplane crashed in the French countryside during the First World War.

Luke, the fighter pilot’s pilot, met the enemy head-on destroying numerous balloons and enemy aircraft during his short time. On that fateful day in September 1918, Luke’s Spad was shot down by a machine gun that fatally wounded him. Once on the ground, his bravado continued as he drew his pistol and fought the German infantry until his last breath. His distinguished actions led him to receive the Medal of Honor.

This year’s competition continues in the spirit of Frank Luke and encompasses aerial and social competitions. Pilots flying the F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Thunderbolt II will meet in the Southern Arizona skies of the Barry M. Goldwater Range and put their skills to the test.

First, they will joust in basic fighter maneuvers with the quickest one to the simulated kill earning the top prize. The team with the lowest time will garner, not only the best team bragging rights, but, most importantly, the admiration of their peers.

The next aerial competition will find pilots executing air-to-surface attacks where the lowest score wins the highest marks. Again, the best team will earn the overall air-to-surface trophy and the envy of their peers.

Once back on the ground, the pilots will form teams for a golf competition with match play. Local Luke units will invite their honorary commanders to participate as well. This support along with that of the surrounding Phoenix community is pivotal in creating the world’s best fighter pilots.

The culmination of the night is an age-old fighter pilot tradition – a crud tournament. In this crescendo event, pilots will form teams and battle with two billiard balls until there is only one man left standing.

This year’s event is unique as Luke has opened its doors to all pilot training bases to send their students and instructors for a hands-on experience of life in the combat air force.

Our aim is to encourage aviators, young and old, to act with the same bravado Luke displayed 100 years ago and continue the fighter pilot legacy for another century.

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Chapel Corner

The Luke Chapel team is committed to ensuring spiritual care for the entire family. Chapel offices are in the Luke Community Chapel at 139th Avenue and Shooting Star Street. All services are Sunday unless noted. For more information, call 623-856-6211.

COM-Chapel on the Mall
LCC-Luke Community Chapel

Worship schedule

Catholic Mass
Saturday is at 5 p.m. at LCC
Sunday is at 8:30 a.m. at LCC
Sunday is at 5:30 p.m. at the LCC

Protestant worship

Contemporary/Gospel service is 10 a.m. at LCC
Traditional service is 11:30 a.m. at LCC

Papers We Publish

Publisher

Published the first Friday of each month, Thunderbolt is distributed to military and contractor personnel on Luke AFB, including all offices and high traffic locations on base as well as locations throughout the Phoenix West Valley

News and ad copy deadline is noon on the Tuesday prior to publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for error in ads other than space used.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or Aerotech News and Review, Inc., of the products or services advertised.